Sorority news

The Preceptor Alpha Upsilon chapter of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority held Opening Day activities on Aug. 29 at Leiby's picnic grounds.Members looked back on the past year, which was declared a success thanks to the help of the Tamaqua area community. Then it was time to look to the future, discussing plans for the Tamaqua Annual Community Easter Egg Hunt, the scholarship fund and numerous other service projects.Following the business session, it was time for a little fun and relaxation as part of the "Beginning Day Picnic." In addition to the usual picnic fare, the day included a rousing game of "bocci ball," complete with prizes.Marie Umbriac, chapter president, will lead the nonprofit organization during this year's activities and events. This year's theme will be "Your Forever friends."Soup socialTrinity United Church of Christ will hold its monthly soup social from 4 to 6 p.m. on Sept. 5. The public is welcome to share in the good food, friendship and God's love.There are no costs.The church is located at 22 Lafayette St., Tamaqua.Trinity is also hosting informal Saturday worship services, at 6 p.m., in Founder's Hall.Final summer concertThe free summer concert series coordinated by the Tamaqua Area Chamber of Commerce concludes this Thursday with a classic rock performance by Diaspora.The concert, sponsored by Mauch Chunk Trust Company, will begin at 6 p.m. on the platform at the Tamaqua Train Station.For more information, contact the chamber at 570-668-1880 or email

tamaquachamber@verizon.net.Tamaqua seniorsThe Tamaqua senior Citizens met Aug. 27 with 70 members in attendance. President Melody Weicker conducted the business session and secretary Ruthann Feane offered the invocation "Giving Thanks."Birthday wishes were extended to: Anthony Zahora, Kathleen Valentine, Joan Wall, Michael Trubilla, Mary Taylor, Dolly Kamant, Madeline Heffelfinger, Nancy Gerber, Barbara Gallagher, Pauline Fenstermacher. Doris Nelson was added to the sick list.The group discussed a number of upcoming activities, including flu shots on Sept. 10 and a trip to Shady maple on Sept. 14. Nominations for officers for the next year will be accepted at the Sept. 10 meeting.The next meeting will be held at 1 p.m. Sept. 3, at the Tamaqua YMCA, 1201 E. Broad St.The group is open to anyone 55 or older, and the Y is handicap accessible.Bethany ECThe Rev. Kevin Roberts will officiate at the 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. worship services this Sunday in Bethany Evangelical Congregational Church. Sunday school classes are held at 9:15 a.m.Also on Sunday, the ministry council will meet at 11:45 a.m.Activities for next week will include: Tuesday, registration for the Fall Growth Groups, prayer time at 8:30 a.m.; Wednesday, Tamaqua Youth Ministry meets at 6:30 p.m., TYM staff meet at 8 p.m.